The Altra Lone Peak 4.0 is a well cushioned zero-drop trail shoe that’s well suited for long days on the trail. For v4 of the Lone Peak, Altra has really secured the fit of the heel and midfoot. The toebox keeps the wide anatomical fit of all Altra shoes. The Lone Peak 4.0 also has a newly designed outsole with a stickier and more durable MaxTrac compound. I’ve been wearing the Altra Lone Peak 4.0 over the past few months, and will share my thoughts in this review.
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Upper
Size, Weight, and Fit
I wear a size 11.5 in the Lone Peak 4.0, which is a half size smaller than my standard 12. I tried on a size 12 and felt they were just a tad too roomy up front. My size 11.5 comes in at a very lightweight 12.4 oz per shoe.
The heel of the Lone Peak 4.0 feels much more dialed in than previous models. There is a small counter that goes up about half way on the shoe’s heel, which allows the rest of the shoe to mold to the back of my foot nicely. I have experienced no friction or slipping at toe off. I do notice a little bit of lateral wiggle on technical trails as there is not a ton of support to keep my heel in place.
The fit of the Lone Peak’s midfoot is the greatest improvement over previous models. Just like the heel, the midfoot wraps my foot snugly, but still very comfortably. There is no built in arch support on the shoe or insoles. The toebox on the Lone Peak 4.0 has the wide fit Altra is known for, but cuts down a little on volume to prevent the shoe from feeling sloppy.
Upper Build
For the base of the upper of the Lone Peak 4.0, Altra uses their Quick Dry Trail Mesh, a fabric that fits and feels much more like a ripstop nylon. This upper has proven to breathe, drain, and dry very well. The tight knit has also proven to be really nice for sandy trails. I’ve worn the Lone Peak 4.0s on a few desert hikes in California and Nevada over the past few months and have been amazed at how well they keep the sand out. The well padded and fully gusseted tongue on the Lone Peak 4.0 helps out with this, too.
The improved fit in the midfoot is due to the new overlay wrap Altra is using. This overlay starts at the base of the heel and wraps up and over the top of the foot to create a secure, but very comfortable fit.
Altra also keeps their ‘gaiter trap’ attachment points on the Lone Peak’s uppers for v4. You’ll find a velcro attachment point on the heel, two points under the ankle, and a metal loop at the base of the laces.
Midsole
Like the upper, Altra made some major changes to the Lone Peak’s midsole for version 4.0. The midsole has a 25mm stack height, with a zero drop offset. The Lone Peak 4.0 has a dual density midsole that feels softer underfoot than previous models. The biggest change on the new Lone Peak midsole comes in the stone guard, where Altra is using a flexible foot shaped stone guard that is thinner and more flexible than previous models.
The Lone Peak midsole is plush and has proven to be very comfortable for hiking, backpacking, and trail running. The forgiving midsole compound keeps my legs and feet feeling comfortable and fresh. The midsole is almost too soft on some trails though, which can be a little bit of an issue when it’s really rocky. The new stone guard offers adequate protection, but is a little thin on days with a lot of sharp surfaces. The midsole on the Lone Peak 4.0 has really nice flexibility at toe off and feels like an extension of the foot. This is great for trail running and fast packing, but not so good for days with a heavier pack.
Outsole
The MaxTrac outsole on the Lone Peak 4.0 has proven to be fantastic. The new lug pattern uses chevron lugs in the heel and forefoot which provides great traction for braking and at toe off. There are large hexagon shaped lugs under the metatarsal, which have provided really nice traction on smooth surfaces like granite slabs. Wet traction performance is a big upgrade on the 4.0, as previous models have struggled on damp rocks and slick surfaces in my use. I also had some durability issues on previous models, but the outsole on the 4.0 is holding up incredibly well after some really rocky miles.
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Closing Thoughts
The Altra Lone Peak 4.0 comes in at a very affordable $120. Altra has made some really nice upgrades to the Lone Peak for version 4.0. The dialed in fit of the upper is what most people will notice first, but the outsole performance has also been upgraded in a serious way. The changes to the midsole will be welcome for most, but I’m sure there will be others (like me) that would prefer a firmer ride and a little more protection underfoot. As great as the Lone Peak 4.0 is, it’s a shoe that is starting to feel a lot more like the more minimal Altra Superior series of shoes. This isn’t really a bad thing, as the Superior is a phenomenal trail shoe as well. For those seeking more cushion underfoot, Altra has the Timp 1.5 and Olympus series.
The Lone Peak has become the most popular hiking shoe for thru-hikers on the PCT and AT over the past few years. The wide toebox, zero drop, and affordable price remain unchanged, which means I’m sure to be seeing the Lone Peak 4.0 a lot on the trails this summer.
Similar Shoes To Consider
Topo Athletic Terraventure 2
The original Terraventure was one of my favorite trail shoes for 2018. The only knocks I had on that shoe were the weak rock plate and low profile outsole lugs. For v2, Topo has added an aggressive Vibram outsole and added a more protective rock plate. This shoe is really similar in fit, feel, ride, and performance to the Lone Peak 4.0, but has a 3mm drop.
Altra Superior 3.5
The Superior is currently on v3.5, but the v4 will be released at the beginning of 2019. The Superior has a very similar fit and feel when compared to the Lone Peak 4.0, and only 2mm less in stack height. The Superior also has a drop-in full length stone guard.
Altra Timp 1.5
The brand new Altra Timp 1.5 has the same zero drop platform and wide toebox of the Lone Peak 4.0, but has 3 extra mm of protection underfoot.
Altra Lone Peak 4.0
120.00
Excellent review Drew! I also appreciate the “Similar shoes to consider” section.
Thanks! I always find that section helpful in other blog posts when I’m looking for a particular kind of shoe. It’s nice to see a few quick options in one spot.
I’m in the market to replace some old TNF Hedgehog’s which have over a thousand miles. I also have need a wide toe box and was looking at these shoes. This review is helping me get over the fence to get them for sure! Thanks dude!
Amazing durability with your Hedgehogs! The Lone Peaks will have the toe box width you’re looking for, but with zero drop and a little less underfoot protection. Super comfortable though. I hope you like them!